iPad Mini 6 2021 Purple - Review, Best Cases and Accessories
Here is my review of the new purple iPad mini 6, and recommendations for the best cases and accessories for the iPad mini as well. This device is perfect for digital planning, aesthetic note taking, digital art, and so much more.
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My favorite device to work on and create with is Apple’s iPad Pro. So you can imagine my excitement when Apple announced the new, completely made-over iPad mini 6 - a more portable but still fully functional iPad.
I finally received the iPad mini 6 2021 a few weeks ago, and have been using it every day since. I’m even referring to my notes on the mini as I write this article. It’s my everyday and everything device. I use it to plan, take notes, journal, paint, and get inspiration for creative projects.
My use of the iPad mini 6 is mainly creativity and work related. But I’ve come across a lot of reviews in which people say they will mainly use it for leisure. This makes the versatility of this device very obvious.
In this article, I will share with you my my overall review and favourite accessories for the new iPad mini 6.
iPad mini 6 2021 Best Cases and Accessories:
This ESR magnetic case is a great replacement/dupe for the Apple Smart Folio case. It’s MUCH more affordable and works perfectly. I’ve been using it for a few weeks now and have run into no problems whatsoever.
Some reviews did state that the magnets that hold the iPad weren’t strong enough, but I didn't encounter this issue at all. For me, this case has been great.
The iPad attaches to the case with magnets at the back, and the sides are open. The front cover also has magnets so it automatically locks and unlocks the iPad just like the original iPad cases. Also, since the sides are uncovered, the 2nd generation Apple Pencil attaches without any problems.
I decided to get this case because the Smart Folio cases from Apple aren't easily available at the moment. I thought this would be a good case to have while I wait for the original to become available, as it’s quite affordable. But it turned out to be better than I expected and I may not even replace it with the original.
Now onto what is easily my favourite accessory for an Apple product EVER. This pencil sleeve from Elago that makes your Apple Pencil look just like a real regular wooden pencil. They have a few colour options, but my favourite is the yellow pencil skin.
The excitement I have for this accessory has ALMOST taken over my excitement for the iPad mini 6 itself! 🙈 I know, it’s ridiculous. But it’s just so adorable, I can’t help it.
Other than how it looks, it’s also quite functional. It is made of silicone so that the pencil doesn't slip in your hands while you write or draw. It also has gaps where the sensors are so you can use all your Pencil’s features easily and switch between digital tools with a double-tap.
The magnet/connector also functions well even with this sleeve on, as long as the edge of the iPad isn't covered by a case.
This was the first case I bought for my iPad mini 6. It’s a clear/transparent cover that’s kind of like a phone case and I think it’s great for the mini. The mini is the probably the only iPad that can get away with a phone style case because of how portable it is.
It’s protective enough combined with a screen protector too. It’s not a flimsy case at all and the edges are raised too, so no worries there.
If you want to try this kind of a case for your iPad mini instead of a foldable case, then this one by ESR is probably the best. Protective, affordable and great quality. (I also get to actually see the beautiful purple colour of my iPad. 😍)
It allows for charging the Apple Pencil 2nd generation too, which is very important for me! It just has a very thin edge where the pencil connects so the magnet still works well. The Apple Pencil doesn't connect with a sleeve on it with this case, though! With this case, there’s an extra layer in between the magnet and the pencil, that interrupts the connection if there’s already also a sleeve on the pencil.
Ever since Apple introduced the Apple Pencil to go with the iPad Pro, I have been obsessed with matte screen protectors. Every device of mine at the moment has a matte screen protector. From my iPads, to my phone, to even my MacBook.
The reason isn’t just the texture when writing or drawing, I have it on my phone and laptop too because it’s easier on my eyes. Matte screen protectors make it so that my eyes don’t get strained as quickly. They are also anti-glare, fingerprint resistant, and of course, they are much nicer to write or draw on.
This “Paper-feel” one from Amazing Thing is not like other matte screen protectors. The ones on my other devices from other brands are smooth. This one is rough. It actually gives you more friction when using the Apple Pencil. Honestly, it took me a few minutes to get used to the rough screen. I was unsure when I first applied it to my mini, but now I love it. It definitely makes the writing experience better because the pencil doesn’t slip and glide. It feels more natural.
Even if you don’t want a matte screen protector that’s rough like this one, I would still recommend any other matte smooth one because the writing experience is definitely better.
iPad mini 6 2021 Overall Experience - Review:
I love the iPad Pro. It has been my favourite device to create and work on for a couple of years now. So when the iPad mini 6 was announced, I was thrilled! It seemed like they took the best features and put them all into one compact device.
Well, I got it a few weeks ago and have used it every day since. I use it to plan my tasks, articles, social media content; I use it to journal, make digital paintings, browse through Pinterest for inspiration, etc. I take it everywhere with me. I used to take my iPad Pro everywhere, but it’s so much better to have this compact powerhouse of a device to take everywhere. In fact, I find I take it out with me to even more places because of how portable it is.
Something I didn’t use other iPads for, but have found myself using the mini for is reading. The iPad mini is a great e-reader, and I never realized this until I watched other users’ reviews. I have started using the kindle app, and also reading blogs and articles on the mini in my spare time. It’s just so easy to hold for long hours while you read books. Even easier than holding a book in one hand, actually.
Overall, I think the iPad mini 6 has quickly become my favourite device. I can easily practice all my hobbies, anywhere, thanks to the mini. The fact that the Apple Pencil works with it is great. Typing on it is so easy - because of it’s size, it’s just like typing on a phone when typing in portrait orientation. And of course, having all your favourite apps on it, synced with your main devices makes even more convenient.
I can’t wait to discover even more ways to use the iPad mini 6 and share my favourite apps with you all in the coming weeks and months.
Thanks for reading!